Class of 2010 commitment, Josh Hairston took time to talk with Blue Devil Nation Premium about experiencing his first Duke-Carolina game in Cameron. He touched on the play, his chats with other Duke commitments and Harrison Barnes. Talk about it on our Blue Devil Nation Premium message board.
What did you think of the game and Cameron itself?
I thought it was a very good game and that Duke played very hard. You've got to give to Carolina, they're every good team, but Duke gave them a run for their money. Just walking in the gym with my Mom and seeing all the players and the fans, they were yelling and screaming and I just turned to my Mom and smiled. It was just crazy, unlike anything I ever experienced anything like that before.
We spent the night so I was able to stay a little longer and wait for the coaches to get down with the press conference. I got to talk to all the guys and they just said they had it and they lost to a very good team. They gave credit to their guys. I really enjoyed myself.
So, are you looking forward to playing in an environment like that?
I am. I was talking to Ryan Kelly [private] about it and told he was lucky because he will be a part of it next year. Me and Tyler have a couple of more years left. He was there with me.
Harrison Barnes was at the game with you. Did he enjoy himself?
Aw man, he really enjoyed himself. A lot of people were making a big deal because he had on a Duke shirt ... him and his sister. Tyler and I were talking to him and introduced him to everybody. He had a great time
Did you get a positive feeling about Harrison?
I did! I got a real positive feeling. Harrison is one of those kids who keeps his feelings to himself. What I took from the visit was it was very positive. I think if Duke stays on him, they'll get him.
It gets pretty hot when Carolina comes in ...
We walked in and it was cool outside, but as soon as you stepped into the gym, even where we picked up our tickets was cool, but then we got into the gym and it was like the heat was turned all the way up. As soon as I sat down, I started sweating and it was so hot from all the people inside. You could see it was hot because all the players were slipping on the court, so it was just crazy.
Were you able to talk with Coach K?
I didn't talk with him one on one, but Coach talked to Tyler, Harrison and me about how the team fought and overall he was happy with how his guys played. But it was a little disappointing to lose. We were in the locker room before the game.
So, you were able to check out the locker room atmosphere?
I went back there for the UVA game and they get hyped up but with the UNC game it was unlike anything I'd ever seen. You could hear yelling and screaming from outside the locker room and everybody was getting hyped. I kind of got hyped and I wanted to go out there and play! Harrison was joking with me because he wanted to find an extra jersey and play.
I appreciate your time and good luck the rest of your high school season.
While the game didn't end the way the Blue Devils wanted it to, they were able to entertain one of the nations top prospects. Harrison Barnes (6-6,205) sat behind the bench sporting his Duke T-Shirt which was an encouraging sign.
Barnes came in just before noon yesterday and was able to meet with Coach Krzyzewski before taking in some of the gameday campus atmosphere. He was
Barnes in his Duke T-Shirt walks off the court with Josh Hairston to enter the Duke locker room after the game
also accompanied by his Mom and sister who have now seen the "Gothic Wonderland," twice.
The key prospect was able to [private]spend time in the locker room with the team at half time and after the game. He sat beside Tyler Thornton and Josh Hairston during the game.
Harrison Barnes (Class of 2010) Aimes, Iowa (6-6, 204) Aimes High School
Barnes is a very versatile and athletic player who will cause match up problems on the offensive end. He has a good inside/outside game and quick leaping ability. Barnes plays with a cool demeanor, one which belies his age. Barnes has the ability to slash through defenders and rebounds well for his height. He plays his AAU ball for Iowa Air Attack.
Ryan Kelly was also at the game, but the Marshall and Mason Plumlee left the day before for school after a long weekend break which allowed both of them to spend time on campus. Mason was able to work out with the team and lifted weights. According to his Father, Mason is lifting at school quite a bit and his team is preparing for a shot at a third straight state title.
Hairston and Barnes seem to hit it off, but Andre Dawkins wasn't able to make it down. I would have liked to have seen the gregarious Dawkins there to entertain Barnes, but there were game conflicts.
Speaking of game conflicts, that's what kept Wall away. There were no surprise recruits behind the bench.
Back to Barnes - he did not commit on the visit, but Duke is in very good shape with him and they plan on simply letting the process play out. According to those close to the program, Duke didn't really expect a commitment. That same source said that Duke was in as good a shape as possible with Barnes and this his relationship with Coach K was very strong.
We'll have more as it comes in and we of course will talk to Barnes. However, I will allow him to get home and settled and keep in mind, his team plays tonight. So, I will not be rude and pound his phone lines. You guys know what kind of coverage you'll get.
Also, any members not on the message board you should be for lots of information is there. This visit was no surprise for members there who knew before any other site. [/private]
Andrew Slater is at it again, this time bringing BDN Premium members an in depth interview with hot prospect Kyrie Irving. Join now to see what you are missing!
Kyrie Irving is a 6'2" guard for St. Patrick's of Elizabeth, New Jersey, having transferred in from the more gentrified Montclair Kimberley Academy after his sophomore season. Kyrie's father, Drederick, played for the Boston University
Big time prospect, Kyrie Irving
Terriers in the mid-1980s. Mr. Irving, a Bronx native, left BU as its all-time leading scorer after losing to the Duke Blue Devils in the 1988 NCAA Tournament by a final score of 85-69. He has since been inducted into the Boston University Hall of Fame and is currently the second highest scorer in Terrier history.
Over the past week, Kyrie has led his Celtics to impressive wins over previously undefeated and nationally second-ranked St. Benedict's of Newark, NJ, 88-62 and the USA Today's tenth best "East" squad, Pennsbury of Fairless Hills, PA, 39-35. He spoke with Blue Devil Nation after both wins. The first portion of the interview was done in the hallway to the Rutgers locker room following the Celtics biggest win of the season, while the second half took place at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ after a win in which Kyrie Irving was named Most Outstanding Player for the victors.
Blue Devil Nation: What schools are recruiting you? [private]
Kyrie Irving: I can't give you specific names, but it's like UConn, West Virginia, St. John's, Rutgers, Seton Hall. It's the majority of the Big East and most of the ACC and Memphis.
BDN: Do you have any sort of timeline for when you'd like to decide by?
KI: I think I'm going to decide probably after this AAU season...Probably around August, you know. The main thing I'm looking for in college is just "a home away from home."
BDN: Have you been on or do you plan on doing any unofficial visits?
KI: I'm going to Notre Dame in the spring and I'm not sure past then, but I'm not taking any...I went to Memphis in October and Indiana in November. They were both great schools. When I went to Memphis, I went around with Jeff Robinson (who has since transferred to Seton Hall University). He took me around and it was just great. Then, I went to Indiana. I stayed around with Devan Dumes (suspended indefinitely on Saturday by Coach Crean). I met with the academic dean. I met with the coaches. It was just great at both colleges.
BDN: What position are most colleges recruiting you for?
KI: Most of the colleges are recruiting me for a combo guard.
Blue Devil Nation: Can you talk about the transition from Montclair Kimberley Academy to St. Patrick's?
Kyrie Irving: Well, just the pace and our defense leads to our offense. The way we play defense is just...it's just totally different from the league that I played in at Montclair Kimberley. This was my first big game
BDN: Sure, sure
KI: ...playing against St. Benedict's at the RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center). It was just a great experience. It's just totally different. All of these people were here to watch a high school game. It's just very rare. Let alone to be playing in a college gym and for all of these people to show up. It was just a great experience tonight.
BDN: How about the competition in practice?
KI: The competition has been great. Me and Dexter go at it every day...trying to make each other better everyday. You know we practice really hard. That's the main thing.
BDN: What are some things that you've learned from Dexter Strickland (UNC-Chapel Hill) and Paris Bennett (George Mason)?
KI: They've tried to teach me how to be a leader and how to be a leader by example vocally.
BDN: How about the transition in school, socially, etc.?
KI: It's been great. I came by here last year. Everybody's friendly. We have a lot of different cultures at St. Patrick's. It's been good to meet a lot of different people.
Blue Devil Nation: Your father, Drederick (pronounced "Dedrick"), was a very successful player at Boston University. That's obviously a different experience than the average kid in America. How do you think that differentiates you in any way or has influenced your playing?
Kyrie Irving: My dad just taught me to be unique. You know be my own player and, you know, just be a good leader on and off of the court and to just be a good citizen...but, you know, on the basketball court, it's war out there. Just have heart and play the game.
BDN: What AAU team will you be playing for this year?
KI: The New Jersey Roadrunners.
BDN: What's your current height and weight?
KI: 6'2," 175
Blue Devil Nation: What players do you try to emulate your game after?
Kyrie Irving: Probably...I like Chris Paul and Kobe Bryant.
BDN: Who's the toughest player you've ever gone against?
KI: Probably Dexter (laughs).
Blue Devil Nation: What would you like the audience to know about you as a person?
Kyrie Irving: That I'm not just an offensive player. You know I play defense also.
BDN: I'm sorry I actually meant about you as a person away from the court. Outside of basketball...I mean that's fine too, but..
KI: Oh, okay. Well, a lot of people don't know, but I take writing seriously. In college, I'm going to major in journalism. I made my mind up about that. That's certainly something most people don't know.
BDN: That's interesting. So you're gonna take away Kevin's job. (Kevin Armstrong, a writer for Sports Illustrated, was standing next to us.)
KI: (Laughs) Yep, yep
Blue Devil Nation: What's your feeling about Duke, both as a program and as a university as well?
Kyrie Irving: Duke? It's doesn't get better than Duke. Duke, it's just way up there. Even the title itself is just a household name. I've talked to Coach Collins a lot and they've talked to my Dad too. You know they just want me to come in and make a contribution.
Blue Devil Nation: What's your opinion, from afar, of Coach Krzyzewski?
Kyrie Irving: Oh, he's a great coach. He's probably like the number...well, I mean I was watching him on the USA team over the summer. Personally, I think he's just the best coach.
Blue Devil Nation: Whenever you do decide on a college, what are the most important factors that will go into your decision?
Kyrie Irving: Oh, well, a "home away from home" and, you know, socially and academically I want to be set for life. My dad always talks to the coaches and he tells them that, you know, when I sign with a college, I'm not singing with them for four years, but over sixty years.
Blue Devil Nation: I like that perspective. Lou Holtz allegedly said something very similar, but said forty years.
Kyrie Irving: Yeah, yeah. That's what I'm basically signing with a college for...a place that can put me ahead in basketball and also academically.
BDN: Who will be the people that you turn to when you ultimately decide on a college?
KI: My father definitely. My father and my uncle are going to help me with my decision.
Blue Devil Nation: What was your reaction when you saw that Coach Boyle said, "Kyrie Irving, when it's all said and done, he will arguably be as good as any guard who's played in New Jersey," Boyle said. "Any guard. Ever. Ever. DaJuan Wagner, Bobby Hurley. You're talking about a guy who's a great shooter, a great finisher, he's going to be as good as anybody who's played in New Jersey."? It must've felt good, but were you surprised?
Kyrie Irving: It felt good, but, yeah, I was surprised definitely. At the same time, I've got to remain humble. That's a statement I want to live up to, but also I still want to maintain the progress I'm making right now as a student, as a person, and as an athlete.
BDN: What style of play appeals to you?
KI: I definitely like fast-paced...just up-and-down
BDN: As opposed to today (combined score was fourteen points less than St. Patrick's scored in their win over previously undefeated St. Benedict's)
KI: Yeah, it was just a half-court game today, but I can play both styles. I'm comfortable either way.
Blue Devil Nation: What do you think is your greatest strength right now?
Kyrie Irving: Probably just leading by example and pushing the ball every time I get it.
Blue Devil Nation: How about your shooting?
Kyrie Irving: Oh, yeah. That's the part of my game that, when I was younger, I was known as a shooter, but I wanted to expand my game.
BDN: What would you like to improve upon most before arriving on your college campus?
KI: Developing as a leader. Paris, Dean, and Dexter will be gone next year so. I am in development right now in order to take over as captain.
Blue Devil Nation: You mentioned before that schools were recruiting you as a combo guard. What position will you be playing next year and what do you feel is your natural position?
Kyrie Irving: Schools are recruiting me mostly as a combo guard. My natural position is as a one. I played that all my life, but, you know, as I got older, I grew and then some people moved me over to the two and I became a scorer and it just went from there.
BDN: Speaking of growth spurts, how tall are you projected to grow to?
KI: 6'4 ½." My dad is 6'4." My mom was like 5'11" so..
(Another person interjects)
Other Person: Do you want to play at BU?
KI: Me and my dad joke about it, but, no, really I don't think I'm going to Boston University. I want to follow in his footsteps, but just not there. I want to make my own path.
OP: Do you have a favorite school?
KI: No, not really
OP: You just want to go to a major school.
KI: No, not necessarily a major school. Just a place where the coaches are great. The family relationship with the coaches is great. Everything is just about, you know, timing.
OP: Are you looking to go to a school with a good basketball tradition like North Carolina or Indiana...a school that's known for, you know, producing great basketball players? Is that all your thinking about or what's the deal with that?
KI: Just a school that's right for me. It doesn't have to the North Carolinas or one of those major schools. Just a school that I can go in and make a quick contribution and hopefully produce me to the next level.
BDN: How are your grades?
KI: I've got a 3.5.
Blue Devil Nation: You mentioned quite a few schools the other day. Which ones have offered you?
KI:Yeah, all of them have.
Blue Devil Nation: Is there any one or two that are currently more aggressive?
KI: Well, they're really all mostly aggressive right now. I can't think of any one or two off of the top of my head right now.
Blue Devil Nation: What camps will you be going to?
Kyrie Irving: I probably won't know until right after the season or towards the end of the season.
Blue Devil Nation: How would assess your handle and your defense right now?
Kyrie Irving: Sometimes, I'll have one or two turnovers, but that doesn't usually occur. I just have to tighten that up a little bit. On defense, I think I'm doing fine right now. You know KB (Coach Kevin Boyle) keeps saying I'm playing very good, intense defense right now so I'm just trying to contribute on the offensive and defensive side.
Blue Devil Nation: Lastly, someone wanted to know about the NJ Roadrunners. Who are they sponsored by? Are they independent?
Kyrie Irving: They're actually sponsored by Protégé by Al Harrington (a former St. Patrick's player and Roadrunner as well as current NY Knick), but I don't wear them. [/private]
I have found that it generally takes me at least five views of a prospect to get a good feel and accurately describe their game. I mean there are so many intangibles, like have they been playing or traveling a lot of late or have they been under the weather. The list also consists of, have they had off the court or personal issues, a look at the match up situations, whether they have familiarity or lack of in the environment they are playing in. I watch to see if they play consistently or if they turn it on when certain coaches are in attendance. I could go on for another 1000 words describing intangibles alone. That is but scratching the surface of the many things I look for when scouting a player.
Every so often a players comes along that you get an immediate feel for and James McAdoo is one of those guys. McAdoo has the ability to slash through defenders and always gets his shot off, traffic or not. At his young age, he already understands angles and spacing. He moves well in all aspects of the game including defense where his long body allows him to recover quickly to play help defense. In short, McAdoo is a big time talent.
BDN was able to speak with McAdoo this past weekend and here is that conversation.
How old are you now?
I just turned sixteen on January the 3rd.
What is your actual height?
6-8
What schools are really looking at you at this point?
UCLA, Texas, North Carolina, Clemson, Georgetown and Syracuse. Did I say Florida? Florida is up there. Virginia Tech, Virginia and Wake Forest - that's it as far as I can remember.
Any offers?
Florida, Wake Forest, Clemson, UCLA, Georgetown, Virginia Tech and Virginia.
Sounds like everybody but ...
UNC, Texas and Duke.
I noticed a Duke coach in the house (Slamfest) ...
Yes sir. They are [private] recruiting me.
Duke is in there? Whens the last time they contacted you?
Um, about a month.
Have they been calling or do they send letters?
I was up there for an exhibition game when they played Virginia Union.
You've been over at UNC a lot lately, right?
Yes. About three times ... Florida once. I am just trying to build a relationship with the coaches.
With a background, a lot of people consider UNC the team to beat. Is that pretty much true?
Um, It's not true. I mean I'm not going to go there just because my Uncle or Dad grew up loving them. It'll basically come down to being my decision.
What is the key factor that'll play in your decision?
I just want to go there and be able to have freedom. (No Braveheart jokes, please) And most importantly be able to start as a freshman and be an impact player.
Which assistant coaches talk to you the most from local schools, like Duke, Wake or UNC?
Local, I'd say Coach Robinson talks to me the most. Coach Kelsey at Wake.
And Florida?
They are one of the first schools that contacted me and I've built a real good relationship with Coach
What size shoes do you currently wear?
Basketball shoes? I wear 15's, but kick around shoes I wear 14.
Back to freedom. What are you looking for?
As far as game style I want to get up and down the floor. I want to have freedom to be able to dribble the ball, play the perimeter. Inside, outside.
When will you get down to making a decision?
As far as eliminating some schools?
Yes ...
I will start to do that after my sophomore year before AAU starts. After AAU.
And you'll play for Boo Williams this year?
Yes sir.
Which head coaches have you seen the most of?
Billy Donovan has come up. Roy Williams has come up. Seth Greeberg, Leitao, Oliver Purnell ...
When you are looking at a school, what are your prerequisites?
As far as a school or a basketball program?
Both.
I just want to be able to get along with the players that are there. I want to make sure I'm going to fit in with the style of play and the coaching staff. And if I'm going to like the school if I get hurt and basketball is taken away from me.
Do you have a preference on the size of a school, public or pri ...
I will probably pick a bigger school
You want to start is that what you are looking for when talking with coaches?
You kind of know if you go out there and play pick up with the guys, what position you are going to be and if you'll play.
So you'll take a look at depth and current players on rosters.
Yeah (nodding)
Congrats on winning the games MVP ...
Thanks
(the vast majority (19 of 25) of these question were asked by BDN, but Rivals and Scout reps came in) - [/private]
Raleigh Ravenscroft played host to Word of God last evening in one of the more hyped Wake County area basketball games in recent memory. The gym was full
Beckwith, Leslie, Wall - copyright BDNP
before the girls' game started and by game time for the boys, there was a throng of people standing outside in frigid weather hoping to catch a glimpse of John Wall, C.J. Leslie and Ryan Kelly. Some went as far to bill the game Wall versus Kelly II. Ravenscroft had defeated Word of God on their home floor earlier this season. The Ravens were poised to sweep the series, but Word of God had other ideas and a bit of a chip on their shoulder. After the game Ravenscroft head coach Kevin Billerman said, "I think it was a great environment for high school athletics to have the city of Raleigh turn out as it did. If you looked in the stands you saw maybe fifty percent of the highs schools area basketball players. Everybody wanted to see the game." The Ravens started out ice cold, Kelly went 0 for 5 before finding his range. For a while Kelly would score and then Wall would answer. For instance Kelly scored on the baseline and before you could blink Wall nailed a three. Then Kelly would dunk and Wall would return the favor. " "They were just leaving me open and I was making shots tonight feeling confident. He (Kelly would hit one and then I would shoot it and it felt good," said Wall. It benefited WOG that N.C. State bound C.J. Leslie asserted himself early as well. Leslie who would end the game with points showed a good mid range jumper to go with his play around the glass and even drained a three point shot. UNC Wilmington commitment Matt Wilson also played well early, but faded down the stretch. It was later learned that he had been fighting off a bug and was playing sick. But Wall put on a show. I once timed him after a rebound and he went end to end finishing with a driving lay in just as the stop watch hit three seconds. Every time the home team would cut it to with a couple of baskets, Wall would raise the level of his play often dunking in a show boat fashion bringing the crowd to it's feet. Word of God was able to get the Ravens to play their style of up and down ball and a few rushed shots later, they took a 43-30 lead into the half. It would never get any closer. As the second half opened, the slam fest continued. Before you know it Wall had tallied 24 points and his team had a commanding twenty point margin many of those by way of the break. "When you take jump shots against them, all of a sudden John (Wall) is laying it in
Wall and Beckwith - copyright BDNP
on the other end. Our best two defenders are our two 6-11 guys and for them to sprint back when John Wall does is difficult," said Billerman. He continued with his accolades for Wall, "I've seen John play many, many times before and he shot the ball as well as I have ever seen him. He's really a very good team player." Kelly did his best to put his team on his back, but the twenty point working margin held up for a 82-64 Word of God victory. The win pushed their record to 11-9 for
Kelly at the end of flushing down a dunk - copyright BDNP
the season, but bare in mind that record comes against a tough tournament laden schedule. "We got into a bit of a running match which isn't what we are. We don't compare well with a team with their athleticism. The last time we got them and we controlled the tempo better," said Kelly. Kelly wound up the games high scorer with 29 points, but his teammates failed to find him on the blocks where he had enormous success when given that chance. In fact, the guard play of the Ravens was their undoing in due to rushed and poor shot selection. Wall ended the game with 28 points, with two three pointers and a bushel of
Wall signed for fans
dunks. He showed a better touch from the outside than he has in the past and seemed to recognize holes in the defense. "We took an extra look at film yesterday and we saw we should push the ball with no hesitation. And you could see we were pushing and their backs were turned and we were scoring and getting fouled. I was seeing the different match ups and after talking to the coaches and it worked out fine and we came out with a good win," said Wall. Wall was surrounded by autograph seekers after the game and he stated, "Im used to it after AAU ball, but usually it's not that much." The WOG handlers stepped up in the press conference and would not allow any recruiting questions, threatening to immediately leave if the media didn't comply. Wall is the top player in high school that has yet to commit. There were some hints given earlier that he would be trimming the list and setting up some visits which will be discussed in our premium section. The entire Wall Q & A is there as well. Another player who helped the Rams cause was Bishop Daniels who tallied 15 points. "Bishop is really doing a great job developing. I told him at the beginning of the year we're going to play thirty games this year, 18 of them, you're going to stake it up. One of the things you saw him do tonight is get out in transition," said WOG Coach Levi Beckwith. While disappointed in the loss Ravenscroft Coach Kevin Billerman put the game into perspective, "This will be a game is good practice for us and good preparation for us advancing into the state tournament in two weeks." Notes - Ravenscroft (21-6) will travel to Durham Academy this Friday. Word of God will host Greenfield next Wednesday. Greenfield is rinding a 16 game winning streak. North Carolina State Coach Sydney Lowe watched the game. One of the WOG coaches said their recod was 17-7. So, I'm uncertain of which record is correct. For futher coverage, join Blue Devil Nation Premium and get full inside access.
Hippolyle Tsafack? That's what was in my mind's eye as I watched this young man dominate the paint in his Miller School team's easy win. Tsafack (6-8) went 9 of
Hippolyte Tsafack won the POG plaque - photo copyright BDNP
11 from the field to score 18 points on dunks and put backs. He also swept up a game high 11 rebounds, yet had no blocked shots.
Those are pretty impressive numbers, especially when you consider he plays alongside Mychal Parker and Marshawn Powell, two of the top prospects in the class of 2009.
Tsafack said he was 18 years old and English was obviously a fairly new language for him. He has been in the country for less than two years and is originally from Cameroon. You can be sure that you'll be hearing more on this unsigned newcomer with the chiseled body as the year progresses.
One of the reasons he may not have made an earlier impact is that he hurt his knee over the summer. "I have been working hard and just try to do my best," said Tsafack.
When asked if he was being recruited, he responded- "Yes, Virginia Tech, Maryland, VCU, Kansas, Notre Dame and Clemson, I don't know anybody else."
He said he liked to watch Kevin Garnett and the NBA and that he also loved college basketball. I've watched Notre Dame, North Carolina, Duke, Wake Forest.
Tsafack is new to the game haven played just two years in Cameroon. "My mom said to play basketball, because my family is poor. Once I've started playing I've never stopped," said Tsafack.
His coach in Camaroon sent him to Miller School and he hasn't seen his family in two years. He got his start at a basketball camp in Camaroon and has been playing ever since.
It's obvious that Tsafack hopes basketball is the answer to his families problems and after this past weekend's MVP performance, don't be surprised if other schools make an effort to get involved with his recruitment.
touched on the play, his chats with other Duke commitments and Harrison Barnes. Talk about it on our Blue Devil Nation Premium message board.
under the weather. The list also consists of, have they had off the court or personal issues, a look at the match up situations, whether they have familiarity or lack of in the environment they are playing in. I watch to see if they play consistently or if they turn it on when certain coaches are in attendance. I could go on for another 1000 words describing intangibles alone. That is but scratching the surface of the many things I look for when scouting a player.
Kelly scored on the baseline and before you could blink Wall nailed a three. Then Kelly would dunk and Wall would return the favor. " "They were just leaving me open and I was making shots tonight feeling confident. He (Kelly would hit one and then I would shoot it and it felt good," said Wall. It benefited WOG that N.C. State bound C.J. Leslie asserted himself early as well. Leslie who would end the game with points showed a good mid range jumper to go with his play around the glass and even drained a three point shot. UNC Wilmington commitment Matt Wilson also played well early, but faded down the stretch. It was later learned that he had been fighting off a bug and was playing sick. But Wall put on a show. I once timed him after a rebound and he went end to end finishing with a driving lay in just as the stop watch hit three seconds. Every time 
the home team would cut it to with a couple of baskets, Wall would raise the level of his play often dunking in a show boat fashion bringing the crowd to it's feet. Word of God was able to get the Ravens to play their style of up and down ball and a few rushed shots later, they took a 43-30 lead into the half. It would never get any closer. As the second half opened, the slam fest continued. Before you know it Wall had tallied 24 points and his team had a commanding twenty point margin many of those by way of the break. "When you take jump shots against them, all of a sudden John (Wall) is laying it in
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